As the boys basketball team takes the floor this upcoming season they do so with a heavy heart and goals of playing for a WPIAL championship.
The past two seasons for the Bobcats have been successful with winning records, 1,000 point scorers, sending players to play in college, and playoff appearances. But the Cats fell short the last two years losing both playoff games: in 2022-23 losing to South Allegheny and last season losing to Knoch in the first round one of the Class 4A WPIAL playoffs.
The Bobcats enter the 2024-2025 season with high hopes and a new coaching staff.
The team welcomes their new head coach Jason Bumblis. Coach Bumblis is a graduate of OLSH High School where he played basketball, then later he was the head coach from 2003-2007 at Ellwood Area High School for boys basketball. He was also an assistant coach for the Bobcats under Coach Greg Cercone from 2018-2021.
With Coach Bumblis is a capable and experienced staff including Coach Andrew Falletta who was on the Bobcats’ staff last year. The Bobcats also welcome Coach Tim Morgan who brings over 35 years of high school coaching experience, and Coach Zach Rosa who is the former middle school girls basketball coach and the current Offensive Coordinator for Hopewell football.
The Bobcats have three returning seniors who started or played significant roles last season: Brady Mayo who broke 1,000 points last season, Nick Krezeczowski, and Elias Kazas.
Mayo plays the guard position and is a very efficient player who can score at all times along with Kazas and his ability to knock down shots, and Krzeczowski who plays as a forward—and with his speed and shot he is a dual scoring threat.
Krzeczowski said, “This season is going to be special; we don’t only have one chip on our shoulder from losing in the playoffs last year but two from the previous year. We’re ready to hit the floor hard, and we three seniors want to make this year one to remember forever at Beaver Area.”
With a strong senior group the Bobcats also have underclassmen who are expected to bring promising talent.
A junior, Junior Marino played a big role last season who leaves nothing on the floor. Fighting for rebounds, diving on the floor, driving to the hoop, and playing tremendous defense, Marino will also be returning.
Also juniors Sincere Sly and Alex Korcinsky will be back for the new season.
Marino said, “We’re ready for it all this year; we’re more experienced and have so much to play for. I’m confident we will go out every night fighting to win it all and head to The Pete [Petersen Events Center] this season for the WPIAL.”
The Bobcats also have some potential young prospects who could bring a big impact on the hardwood. Four sophomores who can and will see some court time this season, Cole Becker and Logan Weiland have big expectations for the Bobcats season. Alongside them are Will Haller and Jake Peluso.
The Bobcats overall round out to a strong roster.
Coach Bumblis said, “I’m very excited to kickoff the season; we have had some hiccups this off-season, but the boys have put their heads down and just worked consistently. I can’t wait to play and show off our hard work on Tuesday and Friday nights.”
The 2024-25 season begins November 29 at the Shenango tip-off tournament. The Bobcats’ first home game is December 3 against familiar rival the Blackhawk Cougars.
